French Revolution Class 9 History Notes | Causes, Events & Impacts Explained

French Revolution Class 9 History Notes

French Revolution Class 9 History Notes

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a major turning point in world history that ended monarchy in France and gave rise to democracy, nationalism, and modern political ideas. In Class 9 History, this chapter explains the causes of the revolution, important events like the fall of Bastille, and its far-reaching impacts on society, politics, and economy. These notes provide a clear summary for students to understand and revise the French Revolution effectively

Cause of French revolution

Cause of French revolution

1. Political Causes

  • Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI with unlimited powers.
  • Mismanagement and corruption in government.
  • Lack of political rights for common people.
  • Influence of Enlightenment thinkers (Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu) who spread ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

2. Social Causes

  • French society divided into Three Estates:
    • First Estate – Clergy (privileged, no taxes).
    • Second Estate – Nobility (privileged, exempted from many taxes).
    • Third Estate – Common people (peasants, workers, bourgeoisie) who paid all taxes but had no rights.
  • Growing inequality and resentment among the Third Estate.

3. Economic Causes

  • Heavy taxation on peasants and middle class.
  • Extravagant spending by the royal family.
  • Costly wars (like the American War of Independence) increased national debt.
  • Poor harvests led to food shortages and rise in bread prices.

4. Immediate Cause

  • Financial crisis due to heavy debt and extravagant monarchy.
  • Failure of the Estates-General meeting (1789) to resolve taxation issues.
  • Discontent led to the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, marking the start of the Revolution.

Important event of French revolution

1. Estates-General ConvenedMay 5, 1789

King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General (clergy, nobility, and commoners) to address the financial crisis.

2. Tennis Court OathJune 20, 1789

Members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until France had a constitution. This marked the beginning of revolutionary defiance.

3. Storming of the BastilleJuly 14, 1789

Parisian revolutionaries attacked the Bastille prison—a symbol of royal tyranny. This became a symbol of the revolution and is celebrated as Bastille Day.

4. Abolition of FeudalismAugust 4, 1789

The National Assembly abolished feudal privileges, ending centuries-old class distinctions.

5. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the CitizenAugust 26, 1789

A fundamental document guaranteeing individual rights, liberty, and equality before the law.

6. Women’s March on VersaillesOctober 5–6, 1789

Thousands of women marched to Versailles, demanding bread and forcing the king to move to Paris.

7. Flight to VarennesJune 20–21, 1791

King Louis XVI tried to flee France but was caught, deepening public mistrust of the monarchy.

8. Abolition of the Monarchy & Proclamation of the RepublicSeptember 21, 1792

The monarchy was abolished and France was declared a republic.

9. Execution of King Louis XVIJanuary 21, 1793

The king was tried and executed by guillotine, marking the rise of radicalism.

10. Reign of Terror1793–1794

Led by Robespierre, thousands were executed for “counter-revolutionary” activities.

11. Execution of RobespierreJuly 28, 1794

Robespierre’s fall ended the Reign of Terror.

12. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte1799

Napoleon overthrew the Directory in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, ending the revolution and beginning his rise to power.

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